Soundgarden: Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Hiro Yamamoto, Matt Cameron.
Personnel: Chris Cornell (vocals); Kim Thayil (guitar); Matt Cameron (drums).
Recording information: Reciprocal Recording, Seattle, WA (1987).
Photographer: Charles Peterson .
Soundgarden's first full-length release, 1988's ULTRAMEGA OK, showed that there was more than met the eye to this fast-rising Seattle quartet. The group's first two releases, the EPs SCREAMING LIFE and FOPP, were both straight-ahead sludge rock, but ULTRAMEGA OK broadened the musical scope. While monolithic garage riffing and punk's messy energy were still both integral parts of the sound, healthy doses of punk and heavy metal were now added to the rich mix as the group's songwriting and instrumental prowess improved greatly. The opening "Flower" brings to mind '60s-era acid rock, while other highlights include the barnstorming "All Your Lies," the witchcraft metal of "Beyond the Wheel," the vast "Mood for Trouble," the plodding blues of "Incessant Mace," and a cover of Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightning."
Professional Reviews
Paste (magazine) - "Songs like 'Nazi Driver' and their cover of Howlin' Wolf's 'Smokestack Lightning' lurch to life like Frankenstein's monster, and the entire record feels warmer and more balanced."
